Dam levels in the Western Cape, over the past week, have been stable. The Water and Sanitation Department officials say they hope the rains in the catchments area over the past 3 days will increase the flow into the dams. At the same time, the downpours have caused inconvenience to some communities, that are experiencing floods in areas.
Dam levels in the Western Cape remain stable
The Spokesperson for the Department, Wisane Mavasa says the hydrological report of 03 June 2024 indicates stable dam levels in the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS).
MORE ABOUT: City of Cape Town Dam Levels
She says the combined average of WCWSS is at 58,60% compared to 58,96% last week.
Surface run-off from the rain
Meanwhile, the Department’s Acting Provincial Head, Mashudu Murovhi says while the first few days of this month have been greeted with significant downpours this does not give significant confidence that winter rainy days are upon us.
Murovhi says, “The DWS urges all water users, particularly high-end ones, to remain vigilant and continue to use water sparingly.”
He has reminded citizens that South Africa experiences altered rainfall patterns due to climate change which can cause droughts at times.
Here are individual dam levels for some dams this week:
Brandvlei 44%
Garden Route 92,74%
Berg River 69,74%
Karee dam 35,15%
Clanwilliam 16,94%
Garden Route 92,74%
Berg River 69,74%
Karee dam 35,15%
Clanwilliam 16,94%
READ MORE: Weekly State of Dams
According to the department, the Gouritz River Catchment System, which includes the Central and Little Karoo is currently at 84,71 %. This is a 0,24-percentage decline compared to the 84,95% of last week. Staffers say this catchment in particular has experienced remarkable recovery, compared to the previous years when its percentage was below 50%.
He added, “The majority of the Western Cape province receives rain in winter and this is a great time to harvest rainwater for non-consumable activities such as watering gardens.”
Murovhi says it’s also important to note, that the latest hydrological report was published before the rainfalls from the beginning of the month.
He says at this stage there has not been an immediate report of damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, which could lead to intermittent water supply in the province. At the same time, the Joint Operation Centre has been activated in George and is on alert.
“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity.”
Officials at the department say they will continue to monitor the situation closely, as they work towards ensuring a secure future water supply.
